Handling of 9mm quick releases

A lever on one side of the hub converts the pressure exerted on it into clamping force, as shown in the image.

The clamping nut on the opposite side of the threaded skewer is used to adjust the amount of tension on the lever. Picture 1

The springs on both sides of the skewer are there to help create an equally wide gap on each side for the fork drop outs to fit into comfortably.

Using conventional quick release systems

1. Open the quick release lever. Picture 2 Now the marking “Open” should be visible. Picture 3

2. Now move the lever again to close. You should not be able to feel significant resistance until the lever is half closed and the lever should also move freely.

3. At half way you should be able to feel significant resistance on the lever. When the lever has almost reached the locking position, you should need to exert considerable pressure to move it. Use the ball of your thumb to push the lever into the lock position, holding on to the fork blade (not the brake disc!) with your other fingers for support. Picture 4

4. When the lever has reached the lock position, it should be parallel to the bike and should not be possible to release the lever by accident. Picture 5

5. Check the lever is completely locked by trying to move it.

6. If the quick release lever can be turned, then it is not correctly fitted. Open it again and increase the tension with the tensioning bolt on the other side of the skewer by turning it half a turn clockwise.

7. Repeat the locking procedure and check again for tight fitting. If the lever can no longer be moved, then the lever is fully tight.

8. Now lift the wheel several centimetres off the ground giving the wheel a tap from above. A wheel that is securely fitted will not move; however a wheel that is too loose could potentially fall out of the drop outs.

Using RWS quick release systems

The RWS quick release from DT Swiss offers several advantages. The system secures the wheel irrespective of the amount of heat the wheel is exposed to. This quality makes the system an ideal component on a bike with disc brakes. Picture 6

To tighten up the system turn the lever while holding the adjusting nut (located on the opposite side of the hub). The required minimum hand force is 15 Nm. Depending on the frame or fork construction it may be necessary to throw the lever several times. To open the system turn the lever anti-clockwise while holding the adjusting nut. Do not use the red bolt for opening or closing